ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 8, 2019)—National PTA issued the following statement on the appropriations bill passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives that would fund labor, health and human services and education programs for Fiscal Year 2020. The statement can be attributed to National PTA President Jim Accomando:

“National PTA and families applaud the funding increase included in the bill for public education, as well as the dedication of $15 million for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) program. Opportunity starts and ends with access to a great education and family engagement is essential to student success and school improvement efforts, which include efforts to make our schools safer. Federal investment in public education and family engagement are critical to ensure every child receives a high-quality education in an environment that is safe and reaches their full potential.

“National PTA and families are also pleased to see the increases in funding in the bill for Title I, Title IV-A and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These programs help ensure our nation’s students have the supports they need to succeed in school as well as receive well-rounded educational opportunities, learn in healthy and safe school environments and have opportunities to use technology in the classroom.

“Additionally, National PTA and families are pleased to see the language included in the bill that clarifies that federal funds cannot be used to purchase firearms or provide firearm training for educators. This language ensures critical resources are not diverted away from essential student support services to put guns in schools. Further, the bill allocates $50 million to support firearm injury and mortality prevention research, with the potential to identify interventions that will save hundreds of thousands of lives.

“For years, PTA members and families nationwide have been advocating for investments in public education, family engagement and programs that ensure all children can learn and thrive in school and beyond. We commend the House Appropriations Committee for acknowledging and addressing the importance of public education, family engagement and these programs, and we urge Congress to raise the budget caps and pass a funding bill that provides critical resources for students, families and schools.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.

We need your help! National PTA has been nominated by Child Mind Institute as one of five finalists for its 2019 Change Maker Outstanding Organization Award. The winner of the award will be determined through a crowdsourced vote. The voting period opens today, Wednesday, March 13 and closes Friday, March 29.

We urge you to vote for National PTA and encourage you to share the voting opportunity with other PTA leaders, members and supporters in your states as well as with your friends, families and followers. Please find below sample social media posts and graphics.

The recognition is great visibility for our association and underscores the important work we are doing. Child Mind Institute is a highly-respected national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders through advocacy, research and care delivery. Its Change Maker Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that are raising awareness; advocating; and creating real, meaningful change for children and families in this area.

National PTA was chosen as a finalist for the award from among hundreds of organizations for our association’s exceptional leadership in engaging and empowering parents, teachers and communities to help children and youth to reach their fullest potential. Our nomination would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of each of you and all of our PTA members. We are honored to be recognized by this well-regarded organization.

The winner will be announced in early April and will receive the award May 1 at a ceremony hosted by former ABC News anchor and veteran journalist Elizabeth Vargas at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Other honorees that evening will include Academy Award-winner and mental health advocate Goldie Hawn, the founder of MindUP, and philanthropists Laura and Harry Slatkin, founders of NEXT For Autism. All finalists will be recognized at the awards ceremony.

Please vote for National PTA today! Thank you for your support and for your commitment to PTA!

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 14, 2019)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Jim Accomando andFlorida PTA President Linda Kearschner:

“Feb. 14, 2019 marks the anniversary of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. The anniversary is an important time to reflect on the efforts of student activists and other advocates over the past year to push for solutions to eliminate gun violence and keep our children safe. It is also an important time to redouble our nation’s efforts to make meaningful changes to ensure every child learns in an environment that is safe and has the opportunity to grow into a happy and healthy adult.

“Since the shooting in Parkland, youth across the country have mobilized and raised their voices at the federal, state and local levels. The youth movement has been an inspiration to all of us. National PTA and Florida PTA are proud of our youth, and we applaud their leadership on this issue. Their voices are what is going to make the changes needed to ensure students and everyone feel safe wherever they are—at school, a movie theater, the park or their sidewalk.

“In the year since the tragedy, National PTA has taken swift and concrete action to advocate for and address school safety. In August 2018, the National PTA Board of Directors adopted a position statement on Safe and Supportive Schools, which calls fora multi-faceted approach to address school safety that involves all stakeholders, especially students and their families. National PTA has also endorsed multiple pieces of legislation related to school safety, including the Background Check Act. Additionally, our association co-hosted a webinar and developed resources for parents on steps they can take to advocate for and ensure schools are safe and supportive places for their children.

“PTA has a strong history of supporting and advocating for policies in the areas of gun safety and violence prevention, juvenile justice, mental health and students’ overall well-being. It remains a top priority of our association to promote safety for children and youth, make sure the needs of the whole child are met and ensure every child reaches their full potential.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.

About Florida PTA

Florida PTA is the largest statewide volunteer association working exclusively on behalf of children and youth. Founded in 1923 as a branch of the 4 million member National PTA, Florida PTA is made up of approximately 1,450 local units with more than 300,000 Florida members seeking to unite home, school and community for all children. For more information, visit FloridaPTA.org.

The National PTA Mission Engagement Committee is hosting a monthly webinar series during the 2018-2019 school year. As part of our Mission Engagement initiative, we’ve lined up relevant and exciting content to support PTAs in the work we do every day around our mission.

These webinars are intended for state leaders, potential state leaders, administrators, educators, policy makers, family and community members, and anyone interested in seeing children succeed.

These webinars look at timely and important topics affecting our children and families today. Just like 120 years ago when we were founded, these issues are the foundation of our work. We will hear from content experts as they share the facts, data and trends. We will also hear from PTA leaders as they share available resources, success stories and challenge us to embed the PTA mission in all we do.

These webinars are free and open to any interested PTA member or leader.

The American Medical Society Alliance (AMAA), in collaboration with the American Medical Association, recognize the severity of our nation’s opioid epidemic. Together we strive to educate communities about possible causes, dangers and provide educational resources.

The webinar will…

Address the on-going issue of opioid misuse.

Educate parents on the importance of communicating the risks of prescription drug misuse to their middle school aged child.

Encourage safe storage and disposal of prescription drugs.

Allow parents to gain awareness of the signs indicating substance abuse. Provide resources for the parent if their child has a problem.